FPL Top Captain Picks Gameweek 36

Heading into Gameweek 36 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL), let’s have a glimpse of the previous one. Bruno Fernandes once again showcased his prowess despite his teammates failing to capitalize on his chances created. He secured maximum bonus points without directly contributing to goals, underscoring his pivotal role in the team.

Last week’s picks, Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak, lived up to expectations with impressive performances, while Son Heung-min emerged as a formidable threat against Arsenal.

As we approach the calm before the storm of Double Gameweek 37 and the unpredictable goal frenzy of Gameweek 38, it’s crucial to target the best captaincy options for Gameweek 36 to finish the season strong.

With that in mind, let’s delve into the top five candidates for the captain’s armband in Gameweek 36.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Cole Palmer, priced at £6.2m, has been a standout performer in Fantasy Premier League this season, boasting an impressive record of 20 goals and 10 assists in just 34 starts. His consistent contributions have firmly established him as one of the top FPL options.

In Gameweek 36, Palmer’s Chelsea side faces West Ham, presenting a favorable fixture against their London rivals. West Ham’s defensive record leaves much to be desired, having conceded the fourth-most goals (65) and boasting the third-worst expected goals conceded (xGC) at 65.2. This indicates vulnerabilities in their backline, making them susceptible to conceding against an attacking outfit like Chelsea.

The Blues have been potent in the final third, scoring 63 goals (seventh highest) with an expected goals (xG) tally of 63.38 (fifth highest). Additionally, they hold a 44% probability of scoring 2.5 or more goals in Gameweek 36, highlighting their attacking potential.

With Palmer likely to feature prominently in Chelsea’s lineup, he emerges as a prime captaincy option for Gameweek 36. He is a regular starter, takes penalties, and has consistently delivered both goals and assists throughout the season. Moreover, his impressive underlying statistics, including an xG of 14.72 and an xA of 6.23, further bolster his credentials as a top choice for the captain’s armband.

Erling Haaland (Man City)

Erling Haaland, priced at £14.1m, continues to dominate the scoring charts in the league with 21 goals to his name, reaffirming his status as a prolific goal-scorer. Despite a recent injury setback, he made an impactful cameo off the bench last week and is expected to be fully fit for the upcoming gameweek.

Manchester City, Haaland’s club, enjoys a favorable home fixture against Wolves in Gameweek 36, presenting an opportunity for another commanding performance. With City being strong favorites to score 2.5 or more goals (65% probability), their potent attacking lineup could potentially run riot against Wolves.

City boasts an impressive offensive record, ranking second in goals scored (82) and possessing the second-best expected goals (xG) tally in the league at 71.18. With such attacking prowess at their disposal, Haaland is poised to capitalize on the opportunities created by his teammates.

As the top contender for the Golden Boot award, Haaland is expected to lead City’s attacking line in the remaining league fixtures, with no other competitions to distract him. Backed to start in Gameweek 36, he will undoubtedly have his sights set on adding to his goal tally and further cementing his status as the league’s leading marksman.

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Bukayo Saka, valued at £9.0m, reclaimed his position as the top-scoring midfielder in Fantasy Premier League following an impressive display last gameweek, where he notched a goal and an assist. With 15 goals and 12 assists to his name, he has surpassed his previous best returns with three games still remaining in the season.

Arsenal enters Gameweek 36 in fine form both offensively and defensively, setting the stage for a promising encounter against Bournemouth at home. Bournemouth’s defensive record, having conceded 60 goals (fifteenth) and possessing an expected goals conceded (xGC) of 53.0 (tenth), suggests vulnerabilities that Arsenal can exploit under Mikel Arteta’s guidance.

The Gunners lead the league in goals scored with 85, accompanied by an impressive expected goals (xG) tally of 70.2 (third). Additionally, they are the second favorites to score 2.5 or more goals (58% probability) in Gameweek 36.

All indicators point towards a significant Arsenal victory, with Saka emerging as the team’s talisman. He boasts the highest goal involvement (33%) among his teammates, guaranteeing him a starting spot and penalty duties. With a threat both in front of goal and in providing assists, Saka stands out as a compelling captaincy option for Gameweek 36.

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

Alexander Isak has been enjoying a remarkable season, registering an impressive tally of 19 goals in just 23 starts, putting him in contention for the Golden Boot.

Newcastle United faces Burnley in Gameweek 36, presenting another favorable fixture for Isak and his team. Burnley has struggled defensively, conceding the third-most goals (70) and possessing the fifth-worst expected goals conceded (xGC) at 62.3 in the league.

Under the management of Eddie Howe, Newcastle is expected to dominate proceedings, with strong favoritism for a victory. They have been potent in attack, scoring 74 goals (fourth highest) with an expected goals (xG) figure of 66.49 (fourth highest).

Isak serves as Newcastle’s talisman and is a key figure in their lineup, with his starting position virtually guaranteed. His full 90-minute involvement in the recent win over Sheffield United, even with the introduction of Callum Wilson, highlights his importance to the team and bodes well for his expected minutes in upcoming fixtures.

Kai Havertz (Arsenal)

Kai Havertz emerges as the most in-form player in the league, boasting an impressive record of 12 goals and eight assists thus far.

Since Gameweek 23, Havertz has been a mainstay in the starting lineup, delivering an impressive tally of eight goals and seven assists during this period, earning him the most Fantasy Premier League points (107) among all players. His underlying statistics further highlight his effectiveness, with an expected goals (xG) of 10.86 and an expected assists (xA) of 3.18.

Havertz’s consistent performances have cemented his status as a key figure in the team, ensuring his regular inclusion in the starting lineup, particularly as long as the title race remains competitive. With a favorable home fixture against Bournemouth in Gameweek 36, Havertz is poised to continue his attacking contributions, as he is expected to receive ample opportunities to make an impact.

Also Read:

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